Edmund Hillary

[Ron D]

A real loss…

Edmund Hillary, First Atop Everest, Dies

By RAY LILLEY
The Associated Press
Thursday, January 10, 2008; 5:57 PM

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest to win renown as one of the 20th century's greatest adventurers, has died, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced Friday. He was 88.

The gangling New Zealander devoted much of his life to aiding the mountain people of Nepal and took his fame in stride, preferring to be called "Ed" and considering himself just an ordinary beekeeper.

"Sir Ed described himself as an average New Zealander with modest abilities. In reality, he was a colossus. He was an heroic figure who not only 'knocked off' Everest but lived a life of determination, humility, and generosity," Clark said in a statement.

"The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived," she said.

Hillary's life was marked by grand achievements, high adventure, discovery, excitement _ and by his personal humility. Humble to the point that he only admitted being the first man atop Everest long after the death of climbing companion Norgay.

[Rick Dreher]

A giant among men who accomplished great things long after his first ascent to the top of the world. He'll be hugely missed.

Thank you for posting this.

[Franco Darioli]

Last October I was in Nepal and his name came up in conversation very often. The Sherpas are always ready to point out the great work that he and his son have been doing there with the schools and hospitals they set up.
He would still be remembered even if he never had conquered the hill.
I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Hillary, also a great climber. Clearly the humble uncomplicated nature of his father was with him too. So add great father to Sir Edmund's achievements.
Franco
BTW, I think that Tenzing Norgay was the one that disclosed who got there first. But They were a team.

[Author]

Posts